Equalize rights for LGBT Ohioans: editorial

View full sizeThe Ohio Statehouse, where for the last several years bills that would have forbidden workplace and housing discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender people have gone to die.Plain Dealer file

Most Ohioans probably are unaware that the state's basic civil rights protections don't apply to everyone. Laws forbidding discrimination in the workplace or housing don't cover cases in which people are victimized because they are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender.

Absent a specific statute saying otherwise, state law effectively allows someone to be fired, evicted and even refused service at a restaurant solely because of sexual orientation or gender identity, said Grant Stancliff, communications manager for Equality Ohio, an LGBT civil rights advocacy nonprofit.

It is time to end that blatant violation of rights.

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For several years, a bipartisan effort has been made to correct this injustice -- each year conspicuously sidetracked by the legislature's GOP leadership, which appears to be doing the same this year.

That obtuseness must cease.

Last month, Reps. Nickie Antonio, a Lakewood Democrat, and Ross McGregor, a Springfield Republican, reintroduced the Equal Housing and Employment Act. A companion bill was introduced in the Senate by Sens. Mike Skindell, a Lakewood Democrat, and Frank LaRose, a Copley Republican.

The House bill idles in a committee chaired by Ron Young, a LeRoy Township Republican who did not respond to an interview request. The Senate bill has yet to be assigned to a committee. Senate President Keith Faber, a Celina Republican, also did not respond to a query about the lack of action.

"This is critical legislation that provides the LGBT community with the same rights and protections everyone else enjoys in Ohio," said Garith Fulham, director of housing and homeless services for the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland.

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